You are invited to a scheduled Zoom meeting - Irene Swenson's memorial service.

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Irene Elaine Swenson, 87, of Cando, ND slipped away peacefully at midnight, just at the start of January 8, 2025. She chose to move into the Basic Care Unit at the Towner County Living Center August 27, 2024 and died at the adjoining hospital in Cando. It was a beautiful place with excellent care for her to finish her journey. She was born on the first day of spring, March 20, 1937, in Portland, ND, the daughter of Herbert and Alice (Amundson) Baldock. Irene was a "Class of 55" graduate of Portland High School. She furthered her education to become an LPN and worked at hospitals in Mayville, Grand Forks and Cando.
Irene was united in marriage to Lyder Swenson on March 18, 1960. To this marriage three children were born: Lori, Bonnie and Larry.  Irene was a part time nurse at the Cando Hospital for over 25 years, usually working the "3 to 11" shift. Caring for others was truly her calling. As a mother it was with a cold wash cloth, medicine, and soft reassuring words to her children in the middle of the night. As a nurse it was giving a patient a backrub or offering a gentle spirit as they passed from this life.  It happened many times she was beside someone as they drew their last breath. She was always delighted when former patients would stop her on the street and thank her for the excellent care she gave them while they were hospitalized.
When it was time for them to leave the farm, Irene suggested going to Mayville, where they lived until Lyder's passing in 2007. Their years in Mayville were special, as she had always stayed very connected with many friends, and they were together often. It was in Mayville that quilting became a real passion. Irene was especially proud that she hosted the well-attended Baldock family reunion.  She returned to Cando in 2013 to be closer to Larry.
Irene loved the Lord and reading her bible. She found great satisfaction in praying for anyone that she felt needed some additional help, especially when she was old and living alone, unable to assist in other ways.
Irene is survived by:
Her daughter Bonnie (Darrell) Leonhardt of Riverton, WY
Her son Larry (Angela) Swenson, who live on the family farm south of Cando
Two granddaughters:
Katie (Esau) Escobar and their two children, Odilia and Merra of Minneapolois, MN
Amy (Jeff) Borys, and their three children Archie, Ramona and Frederick of St. Paul, MN
Three grandsons:
Lex (Rebecca) Leonhardt and their three children, Cameron, Grayson and Jackson of Dayton, OH
Victor Swenson of Minneapolis, MN
Jonathan Swenson of Devils Lake, ND
Her sister Phyllis Allred and her brother Lynn (Toni) Baldock, both of California and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lyder, her daughter Lori Swenson, and her brothers Lowell, Donald, Howard and Dennis Baldock.

Irene's service and burial will be at the Cando I.O.O.F. Cemetery on Friday, May 2nd, 2025 at 11 am with a luncheon to follow. Chairs will be provided for the service.